A Response to Roe
Last week our nation read a leaked SCOUTS opinion written by Judge Samuel Alito that suggests that the Supreme Court is overturning Roe v. Wade. In the days that followed we read many opinions on social media platforms. Some were rejoicing that Roe could be overturned, others were lamenting. One of the challenges in our world of outrage is communicating a deeply held and passionate belief in such a way that accurately describes the belief while also staying free from emotionally charged language. Our culture is really good at talking at each other, above each other and about each other. In a world where yelling and name-calling is the norm, I want to be different. This blog is an effort in that direction. I am pro-life and pro-civility. I believe we can disagree and still be civil.
In this blog, I’ll answer three questions: (1) Why am I Pro-Life? (2) What does the overturning of Roe v. Wade mean? (3)How should I, as a pro-life Christian respond to this news?
Why Am I Pro-Life?
1) I am pro-life because I believe a child in the womb is a person. I believe this because of what I see in the Bible. When the Bible speaks of the child in the womb, the Bible describes that child as a person. Psalm 139:13 “For you formed my inward parts: You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” In addition we see John the Baptist being described as a baby who would: “Be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). There are many more passages, (click here to see more Scripture references) but hopefully these two demonstrate clearly that the Bible views the baby in the womb as a person.
I do not wish to mischaracterize the pro-choice position, but if I understand it correctly, this is the point where we disagree. A pro-life person believes that life begins at conception, while a pro-choice person believes life begins at the first breath. It seems that the debate centers on when life begins.
2) The Bible tells us how we should treat people. If my first point is true (The child in the womb is a person) then I am to treat the child in the womb as a person. The Bible says much about how we treat others including: treating others as we would treat ourselves (Luke 6:31), treating others with the guiding principle of love (John 15:12; Romans 12:10) and looking not to our own interests but the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). The Bible also condemns the taking of innocent life (Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:16-19).
Pro-life and pro-choice people can agree that we should treat others with honor, respect and dignity and that we should not take innocent life. In other words, we all agree on point number two, but we disagree on point number one. Our disagreement centers on when life begins. For context, my wife and I had a miscarriage several years ago. I believe our miscarried baby was a person and our baby is now in heaven. When I get to heaven, I will meet our miscarried baby, precisely because that miscarried baby is described in the Bible as a person, and people are made for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 25:46; Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16).
What Does It Mean IF Roe v. Wade is Overturned?
First, notice the key word: “if.” Roe v. Wade has yet to be overturned, though the leaked draft does indicate that it will likely be overturned. Most expect the ruling to be handed down in June before the Summer recess. If it is overturned, it DOES NOT mean the end of abortion. Instead, the overturning of Roe v. Wade kicks the issue back to the state level allowing for each individual state to decide if abortion will remain legal. Abortion will continue in some states and end in others. There is already talk of many of these states becoming “Abortion Sanctuary States.” In Missouri, there is one abortion clinic in the entire state (in St. Louis). Thus, Illinois would likely become an “Abortion Sanctuary State” for many states in the Midwest.
To put it simply: The overturning of Roe v. Wade would be a positive step for the Pro-Life movement, but it would not mean abortion is eradicated.
How Should I as a Pro-Life Christian Respond to the Overturning of Roe?
First, I would suggest you avoid social media. Few, if any, have ever been convinced to change their opinion on a topic like abortion via an online debate and many have lost their Christian witness due to heated rhetoric. Instead of an online debate, seek to have an in-person discussion if you feel the need. Invite someone to have an in-person discussion and refuse to let the discussion spiral downwards into a divisive debate. Be sure that your words aren’t accusatory and be sure that your words do not turn into an ad-hominin attack (i.e. “What kind of person would…..” “I don’t see how you could….”). Instead, focus on the facts and refuse to attack the character of someone else. Seek to understand their position. Offer a lending ear. Seek to learn why they believe what they believe.
Secondly, we need to respond with grace. Let your words be seasoned with grace (Col 4:6).
Thirdly, respond with action. It would be easy to conclude that the work of the Pro-Life mission ends with the end of Roe. But nothing could be further from the truth. We, as the church, have been called to action. But, to be more precise, YOU have been called to action. Maybe you can become a Foster Parent. You can find out how by clicking here. Maybe you are called to financially support pro-life ministries like the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Perhaps you would consider a career with the DSS, serving as a case worker in our community. The point is simple: Do something to meet the needs of children and women in our community.
Lastly, keep praying. The pro-life mission does not end with the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade. We should continue praying, continue being a voice for the voiceless and continue to serve the underserved women and children in our own community.
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
To God be the glory, great things He will do.